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Peiyao Duan 2025
Name
Peiyao Duan
Education degree
Kandidat
Fagfelt
Design
Institute
Design, Product and Material
Program
Furniture Design - Products, Materials and Contexts
Year
2025
In everyday life, objects are more than functional tools; they also serve as mediums of behavior. Their states often shift between “inactive” and “active” use, transitions typically initiated by users based on habit, context, or need. This raises essential design questions:
– Can designers use design language to guide or even construct new interactions?
– Can design facilitate smoother, more natural transitions between different states of use?
These questions form the foundation of this design research.
This project reimagines the form of the tea table, designed specifically for young users living in contemporary urban apartments. At its core, it explores how an object can fluidly shift between the rhythms of everyday life and moments filled with a sense of ritual.
But beyond shaping the object itself, this project also investigates how design can influence user behavior — how thoughtful design can support and guide users to engage with the transition from ordinary use to the ritualistic context.
This section focuses on studying the behavior and workflow involved in tea brewing.In contemporary China, two main methods of tea brewing are commonly practiced: wet brewing and dry brewing.The primary difference between these methods lies in how waste water is managed.Dry brewing has become increasingly popular among the younger generation due to its adaptability, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.
Based on the study of tea brewing behavior in the dry brewing method, the operational flow on the tabletop was mapped out. Relevant ergonomic dimensions were also researched to define a reasonable interaction range.Based on the research, a series of experiments with varying levels of guidance were designed to explore how design can direct and influence user behavior.
The findings suggest that the most effective transformation from sofa table to tea table occurs when the design offers subtle yet perceptible guidance. When there is no structure, users feel uncertain and hesitant; when the guidance is too rigid or overly detailed, it can restrict user autonomy and reduce engagement.Test 2 and Test 3 provided clear and effective guidance, leading to more consistent user behavior.The results of the experiment became the foundation of the design
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The Royal Danish Academy supports the Sustainable Development Goals
Since 2017 the Royal Danish Academy has worked with the Sustainable Development Goals. This is reflected in our research, our teaching and in our students’ projects. This project relates to the following UN goal(-s)
